Anti-infiltration, militancy operations to continue
Border dwellers jubilant, will be able to cultivate crops up to Zero Line
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Feb 25: In a decision that will bring huge relief to lakhs of people living along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir, the armies of India and Pakistan, which have been engaged in bitter hostilities and almost regular ceasefire violations especially in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch along LoC and Kathua district on the IB, have agreed to cease-firing along the LoC and all other sectors with effect from last midnight.
The historic ceasefire agreement was reached after Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries held discussions over established mechanism of hotline contact. The agreement has come into force from the intervening night of 24th and 25th February, an official statement released today by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.
The ceasefire along the borders was first enforced on November 23, 2003 when the then Pakistan Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali announced the decision on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr and his then Indian counterpart late Atal Behari Vajpayee immediately reciprocated. The ceasefire did last few years followed by opening of cross-LoC routes-two each in Jammu and Kashmir divisions which have since been closed. However, after few years, Pakistan army started violating ceasefire. In between also, the two Armies had expressed their commitment to ceasefire, the latest one being in 2018, but it had no impact on ground after a month or so with Pakistani troops violating the agreement.
The MoD statement said the DGMOs held discussions and reviewed situation along the Line of Control and other sectors in a free, frank and cordial atmosphere over established mechanism of hotline contact.
“In the interest of achieving mutually beneficial and sustainable peace along the borders, the DGMOs of India and Pakistan agreed to address each other’s core issues and concerns which have propensity to disturb peace and lead to violence,” the statement said, adding that both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control and all other Sectors with effect from midnight 24th/25th February 2021.
The statement said both sides reiterated that existing mechanisms of hotline contact and border flag meetings will be utilized to resolve any unforeseen situation or misunderstanding.
However, sources made it clear that Anti-Infiltration Grid will remain intact along LoC as well as International Border and there will be no let-up in anti-infiltration measures along the borders and anti-militancy operations in the hinterland.
“The Anti-Infiltration Grid will continue to be strengthened. All measures aimed at thwarting infiltration attempts on the LoC and IB will remain enforced to ensure that the militants don’t manage to enter the Indian territory taking advantage of ceasefire,” sources said.
However, some specialized offensive units might move out to some distance from the LoC but there will be no lessening of troop deployment or Army operations along Pakistan border to fight terrorism and infiltration, sources said.
They added: “The ceasefire does not mean that the Army’s fight against terrorism has come to a halt and its alertness and vigil will not be lowered. The troops are “cautiously optimistic” on the ceasefire”.
The development is likely to give relief to civilians from both the sides. From 2018-2020, 70 civilians were killed and 341 injured in cross-border firings along the International Border and the Line of Control. In 2020, there were 5133 ceasefire violations by the Pakistan army in which 46 casualties were reported while in the month of January this year, 299 violations were reported, sources said, adding this month, the ceasefire violations started coming down but reduced sharply during past about one week.
As troops remain deployed along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh, the sources added that the situation along the Northern borders has no bearing on the decisions along the LoC and the western front.
“Our counter infiltration grid continues to be strong. We will continue to undertake counter infiltration and counter terrorist operations. All options remain open to mitigate the threat as deemed by the Army Commanders on ground,” an official said.
According to the officials, over the last few years, the Army’s Counter-Infiltration Grid along the LoC has been further strengthened and terrorists have found infiltration across the LoC increasingly difficult.
“While there will be no let-up in counter-terrorism and counter infiltration operations, our endeavour is to achieve peace and stability which is beneficial for the region,” an official said, adding the armed forces enjoy freedom on operational deployment.
“The Indian Army remains committed to fight the scourge of terrorism. Acts of terror will not be tolerated and a befitting response would await any misadventure,” the official said.
Civilians were, however, all jubilant over the ceasefire agreement between Indo-Pak troops as be it LoC or International Border they will be able to cultivate crops right up to the Zero Line which had been the case when the ceasefire was first enforced in 2003. However, subsequent ceasefire violations again forced the people not to venture up to the Zero Line for cultivation for the fear of Pakistani firing and shelling.
Apart from martyrdom of a number of Army soldiers and injuries to others, several civilians have also been killed or injured in Pakistan firing and shelling. Houses of many civilians have also been damaged while cattle have perished in the firing from across the border.
Pakistan army has suffered more than double the Indian casualties.
Doval, Yusuf were in touch; only few people were aware
National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Moeed W Yusuf, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Special Assistant of National Security Division and Strategic Policy were reportedly in touch directly as well as through Interlocutors from the Intelligence community which ultimately led to ceasefire on the Indo-Pak frontiers.
Yusuf today confirmed to reporters in Islamabad that the two countries made efforts behind the scenes.
Sources said at least two contacts and one direct meeting in third country might have taken place between Doval and Yusuf leading to ceasefire on the LoC as well as IB with Pakistan.
Sources said only few people in the corridors of power including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar were aware of the behind-the-scene developments.
They didn’t rule out that India and Pakistan might take more steps in next few months to formalize their relations. However, only one step might be announced at one time.
There were many indications that India and Pakistan were heading towards peace.
One such instance came to the fore when Pakistan army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa early this month spoke of Pakistan’s commitment towards mutual respect and peaceful co-existence saying it’s time to extend hand of peace.
Even on so-called Kashmir Solidarity Day which is observed by Pakistan every year on February 5, there was no hype in Pakistan and it was kept very low-key affair as compared to past.
Recently, New Delhi also allowed use of its airspace by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan while flying to Sri Lanka.
Moreover, the incidents of ceasefire violations have also come down considerably on the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir.
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